America key terms Flashcards
(17 cards)
Separation of powers
The principle that the three branches of government, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, should be kept independent and act without interference from each other as means of decentralising and preventing abuse of power
Federal system of government
A system of government in which law-making powers and responsibilities are constitutionally divided between a central, national government and a series of state or regional governments.
Checks and balances
The mechanisms by which the three separated powers in the US political system, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, hold each other accountable
Rule of law
The democratic principle that all people are equal before the law including members of the executive, and that all government action will be undertaken in accordance with the law.
Bill of rights
A statement of the rights, privileges or liberties to which citizens are entitled, incorporated into a nations constitution
Caucuses
Type of primary election where approval for candidates is sought through a meeting of local voters, where the candidate’s supporters try to persuade others to join them and vote for their candidate.
Congress
The legislative branch of the US; it is a bi-cameral body, comprising of a Senate and House of Representatives
Electoral college
The process by which the President and vice-president are formally elected. Consists of 538 voters who are nominated by the candidates party’s
Executive government
Has the responsibility of carrying out and administering the law. The president and members of cabinet carry out this role
Franchise
Right to vote in an election
Impeachment
Process by which a public or elected official can be removed from office, most commonly the president by the legislature.
Judiciary
Refers to the courts which interpret and apply the law. The Supreme Court.
Legislature
The institution which has the function of making and debating the law. Congress.
Liberal democracy
A political system combining two principles of political theory: that individuals have rights (liberalism) and that political rule should be by the people (democracy).
Party conventions
Large scale political meetings held by the two major parties in the USA after the conclusion of the primary election process, to confirm their respective nominations.
Primary elections
A system where political parties conduct elections to determine their final candidates for the general election.
Veto
The right of the US president to reject legislation passed by the congress and the right of the US congress to reject and overturn the president’s veto.
